Mimamsa interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (Vidhi)
by Shreebas Debnath | 2018 | 68,763 words
This page relates ‘Niyamavidhi in Shravana by the Fifth Manner’ of the study on the Mimamsa theory of interpretation of Vedic Injunctions (vidhi). The Mimamsakas (such as Jaimini, Shabara, etc.) and the Mimamsa philosophy emphasizes on the Karmakanda (the ritualistic aspect of the Veda). Accordingly to Mimamsa, a careful study of the Veda is necessary in order to properly understand dharma (religious and spiritual achievement—the ideal of human life).
Chapter 9.3g - Niyamavidhi in Śravaṇa by the Fifth Manner
Some other philosophers say that there is ‘pākṣika-prāpti ’ of the kalpasūtras and of the ātmīyagrahaṇa sentences which express the matters related to sacrifice and which are composed by the sacrificial priest, and for that [following] reason [this niyamavidhi is laid down]:—
“mantraireva smartavyam”
(The sacrificial deities, substances etc. are to be remembered through the chanting of the hymns only)—
Similarly, the ‘pākṣika-prāpti ’ of the Mahābhārata, the pūraṇa literature and the allegorical dramas such as ‘Prabodhacandrodaya’ of Kṛṣṇamiśra etc. is possible with reference to śravaṇa. If the matters related to sacrifice are remembered by the hymns, then they will produce the invisible result which is called ‘niyamavidhi ’. This ‘niyamāpūrva’ promotes the final apūrva of the sacrifice. So, niyamavidhi is admitted in hymns. Likewise, niyamavidhi is acknowledged in śravaṇa. Because the knowledge obtained from the Mahābhārata etc. does not lead us rightly to brahmajñāna creating effective invisible result. But the knowledge of Vedānta rightly performs that function. So the regulation is made.